West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced protests during her address at Kellogg College, Oxford University, on March 27, 2025. Members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI-UK) and other attendees interrupted her speech, raising placards and voicing concerns over several issues in West Bengal.
The protesters highlighted
- The rape and murder of a lady doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar hospital: This incident had previously sparked significant political controversy in West Bengal.
- Allegations of post-poll violence: Concerns were raised about violence following elections in the state.
- Lack of industrialization: Questions were posed about the state’s industrial development policies.
- Incidents at Jadavpur University: Issues on student democracy and campus safety were brought up.
In response, Banerjee urged the protesters not to politicize the academic platform and invited them to engage in political discourse within West Bengal. She emphasized her commitment to all religions, stating, “I support every religion. I support Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians. Do not name one caste, name everyone” citeturn0search1
Following the event, SFI-UK issued a statement taking responsibility for the demonstration, opposing what they termed Banerjee’s “corrupt and undemocratic rule” in West Bengal.
By BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
